A ‘cover crop’ or ‘catch crop’ is grown primarily for the purpose of ‘protecting or improving’ between periods of regular crop production. Research and use at farm level has shown that cover crops improve soil health and soil structure, reduce nutrient leaching and provide green manure for microbial activity.
Cover crops can play a key role in improving farm sustainability and can have a positive impact in terms of improving soil organic matter levels whether crops are reincorporated or grazed in-situ. The mix of rooting systems by different plant species can also alleviate any soil compaction issues and subsequently improve water infiltration rates.
The impact of modern day agricultural practice on the wider environment is always under the spotlight; yet cover cropping can have a positive impact on flora and fauna. The canopy provided by a cover crop over winter can reduce soil loss through sedimentation significantly. Cover crops also play a part in feeding microorganisms in the soil itself. Natural plant compounds, known as root exudates, act as a feed source and result in increased earthworm populations in the soil. These earthworms play a key role in soil health and subsequent crop yield.
Drummonds can provide a range of cover crop mixtures that comply with GLAS and Greening crop rules, but also firmly with the objective of improving soil conditions. With so many cover crop options, some consideration needs to given before sowing. Are we looking at filling a forage deficit and also having a positive impact on the soil? If so, look at a brassica crop such as Leafy Turnip and Forage Rape. If the focus is on a ‘green crop’ that will be grown and reincorporated to the soil, Phacelia, Vetch or Mustard are options amongst others. There are different options for different systems.
The principal mixtures which Drummonds are promoting are:
SOIL BOOSTER GRAZE (2 Hectare – 16 kg pack) |
SOIL BOOSTER PRO (1.5 Hectare – 21 kg pack) |
POTATO POWER (1 Hectare – 19.5 kg pack) |
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A rapidly growing mixture which will quickly establish green cover. Provides a high energy feed for grazing ruminants. 6 kgs x Forage Rape Note: Clubroot could become an issue if brassicas are used as a cover crop over a period of years. KEY BENEFITS - Best value catch crop mixture in terms of seed cost per hectare |
Vetch quickly provides green cover and fixes Nitrogen. Phacelia is quick to establish and produces a tuberous root which helps improve soil structure. 18 kgs x Vetch KEY BENEFITS: - Fast establishment. Ideally sown in August/early September |
A high yielding green manure mixture with bio fumigation properties. 3 kg x Oilseed Radish In practice we have found that these mixtures meet the vast majority of our customer requirements and we are confident in encouraging first time growers of catch crops this Autumn to plant these mixtures. Where required, we can make up other mixtures and/or supply the individual straights (e.g. tillage radish, mustard). |
For more information please speak directly with your Drummonds Technical Sales Advisor.